Capriotti’s to close – when KCI Investments opened the first Capriotti’s franchise at The District shopping center in Tustin, the company told the Register it planned to open 35 sub shops in Orange County

Capriotti’s to close all O.C. sub shop locations today

Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop said it will close all of its Orange County locations by the end of the Wednesday.

The abrupt closure of the four shops, which first landed in the county in 2012, is tied to an apparent flap between the corporate-run chain and its local franchisee. The locations are Irvine, Tustin, Newport Beach and Fountain Valley.

“Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop has decided to end a relationship with one of our franchisees,” Chief Executive Ashley Morris said. “We are committed to bringing quality subs to people across the country and are actively looking for partners in the area to keep our tradition alive in Orange County.”

Capriotti’s confirmed two Dallas locations, run by the same O.C. franchisee, are also closing. Clark County, Nevada shops, run by the franchisee, will remain open.

The chain would not elaborate on the closures, only stating the departure from Orange County is temporary.

Capriotti’s “will be back in Orange County soon, no doubt about it,” Morris said.

The self-described In-N-Out of sandwich shops was founded in Delaware in 1976. It is known for its daily in-store roasting of whole turkeys. Its most popular cold sub, The Bobbie, is made with pulled roasted turkey meat, cranberry sauce and stuffing.

When KCI Investments opened the first Capriotti’s franchise at The District shopping center in Tustin, the company told the Register it planned to open 35 sub shops in Orange County, 35 in San Diego and 60 in the Dallas area. In 2014, with 12 stores open in Nevada, Dallas and Orange County, KCI was purchased by Florida-based Dixi Foods International.

Dixi Foods did not return a call seeking comment.

The shuttering of Capriotti’s comes as several sub players have entered the market. Jersey Mike’s, Mendocino Farms, Which Wich, Firehouse Subs and Earl of Sandwich have opened across Orange County.

Independent, chef-driven eateries are also cropping up, including Sessions West Coast Deli, Bronx Sandwich Co., The Kroft, and The Trough Sandwich Kitchen.